Leatherman Skeletool

I've owned a Skeltool along with the full bit set for about 10 years. It's had a lot of use in that time. It's really handy, the blade is excellent, its superbly well made but the pliers are awkward and uncomfortable, painful even to apply with any real pressure. The shape also makes the pliers tend to twist in the hand. It'll get you out of a tight spot if you don't have 'proper' tools to hand, but aside from the blade it's not something I'd go to first for tasks requiring pliers or drivers. If I purchase a Leatherman again I'd go for a more traditional model. The weight saving isn't worth the loss of really useful pliers.

I bought this several years ago, drawn in by the sci-fi aesthetics. When I saw Tom Cruise using one in the film Oblivion, it made my day. But, as the years went by, I found myself using this less and less. Awkward to open and close, with pliers that are lumpy with no spring action. The blade is awesome, the bits cool, but I always reached for something else from my tool kit. Recently got a sidekick - this is the wasp's nipples.

Had mine for about 6 months now. It's a handy little widget but definitely not a hard use tool. As the title says it's not a stand alone tool. It's best paired with a Victorinox. Something that has scissors, saw etc on it.

Nice bit of kit. I bought the carbon fibre sided one. Had it two years now and it is still as good as new. Everything is tight. Pliers are strong and the blade really does stay sharp. There is nothing I don't like about this tool. The quality is outstanding, no unnecessary parts, just practical everyday tools. I also bought the extra bit selection, all bases are covered. Loved it when I first saw it and love it even more having lived with it. Get the carbon sided one though-much cooler.

This is a well-made tool and handy enough. The reversible bit drivers are a neat piece of engineering and stay where they're supposed to. Ergonomically I'm not a big fan. Shortly after I bought this the army gave me a Gerber Crucial, and in a one-to-one comparison I'd take the Crucial. Nicer in the hands, easier to deploy all the (locking) tools, a little more compact and nicer in the pocket. I had both in Afghanistan and invariably took the Crucial. So the Skeletool ain't bad, just that I think there are better in the small multi-tool category.

Been carrying this for over a year as an EDC multi tool, love it, much lighter than other multi tools.

Someone got me this as a prezzie. The 'orange' paint is NOT worth the extra money, it comes off after a week or so in your pocket ! The little tool underneath is fabulous! Get a plain one !

I bought this to replace a CRKT Zilla Tool that I lost. The Zilla has the same tools (without the carabiner clip) but the quality and design of the Skeletool is much better. Of course its a bit pricier but not by much. If you can't decide between this and a Zilla Tool I suggest you go for this.

Had my skeletool confiscated at US customs recently after I stupidly forgot to stow in the hold- I've certainly lost a good reliable friend. Brilliantly designed for single-handed blade deployment, this chap really hits the spot for stripped down every-day carry. Unlike initial prototypical versions, the blade seems to take and hold a good edge, whilst the pliers are strong but good for finer tasks (i.e removing fish hook from mates scalp!!). Gonna get me the fancy-smancy carbon scaled version next...